|
Post by Renard de Valliers on Jun 30, 2011 1:19:32 GMT -5
My eyebrows raised when she mentioned that it was similar in Siovale. I found it odd to capture a girl's heart through books. I wasn't sure that I was adequate to make such steps. "I'm mainly here to find a wife, but I am also here to bring favor to the Valliers. There aren't many of my house that are making our name known in courtly society."
|
|
|
Post by Eulalie de Perigeux on Jun 30, 2011 1:25:00 GMT -5
"Well, I'm not surprised that you haven't found a wife yet," that sort of commitment would be even harder to secure with the war upon us. "I think it's difficult, to get recognition for the family name. There are so many nobles, not to mention those newly titled, it's hard to keep track with all the peerage."
|
|
|
Post by Renard de Valliers on Jun 30, 2011 14:48:29 GMT -5
I listened to her speak about the difficulty in obtaining my goal. I nodded when she spoke about being recognized as a family name. "That is very true. I suppose if it takes longer than a few months, I will have to seriously consider bringing my sister here. I wasn't planning on being gone from her for too long. If you're judgement is correct, I could be looking at staying for a few years...or even more."
|
|
|
Post by Eulalie de Perigeux on Jun 30, 2011 16:47:57 GMT -5
"That decision might be heavily influenced by the war," I observed. "Although, with the flower of the nobility heading towards it, there will be other families out there looking to secure their heirs. You might try outside of the city, even."
I brightened when he mentioned bringing his sister. "Truly? Will I get to meet her?"
|
|
|
Post by Renard de Valliers on Jul 1, 2011 2:11:44 GMT -5
I nodded, "I have made a couple of dates with 2 noble women that come from a house that my father has always favored. Both are set before I leave for Camlach. I hope that they turn out okay."
I laughed softly at her obvious eager words, "If she decides that she wants to come to Elua, then I will personally make sure that you get to meet her. Why are you so excited..?" I asked the question with casual curiosity. I didn't think that I had told her enough about my sister to warn her demeanor.
I brightened when he mentioned bringing his sister. "Truly? Will I get to meet her?"
|
|
|
Post by Eulalie de Perigeux on Jul 1, 2011 2:18:27 GMT -5
To me it was strange to think that you courted based on what your family wanted, though it shouldn't be considering I was bound for the same sort of process, having declined two proposals already. "I wish you all the best luck with it."
When he questioned me about my eagerness I blinked back like it was obvious. "She's your sister. She must be lovely if she's related to you and besides, I'm curious about meeting a Camlach girl."
|
|
|
Post by Renard de Valliers on Jul 1, 2011 16:54:37 GMT -5
I looked out the window when she told me good luck, and I let out a soft sigh, "I'm not looking forward to having a wife, but I have responsibilities to uphold and so I have no choice. I also made a promise to my dying father. And I do my best to not break promises."
I laughed softly when she blinked and spoke of how lovely my sister must be. "I will take that as a compliment, thank you. She is quite a wonderful woman, and I'm quite confident that you two would get along well."
I finished off the last of my drink, "Did you want dessert?" I picked up a napkin to wipe my mouth.
|
|
|
Post by Eulalie de Perigeux on Jul 1, 2011 17:02:03 GMT -5
I nodded. "I don't think anyone looks forward to having a spouse when it's so dependent on your duties. I hope that you do at least find someone that you can come to love. Whatever you do, don't rush it, you still have time."
I smiled when he spoke of how I'd get along with his sister. It was nice to see that he cared so much for her, it seemed that there was a dark shadow somewhere in his past and I was glad that he had her to balance against it.
He finished off the last of his meal and asked if I wanted dessert. "Yes please," I said, signalling for a waiter. "We might as well have it while we're here."
|
|
|
Post by Renard de Valliers on Jul 1, 2011 18:17:48 GMT -5
I listened to her wisdom, "You're probably right, but I think if I had a choice to make, I would likely never marry. Life is easier being on my own."
I watched as she signaled for a waiter. When one came, I gestured for her to order first, and then I ordered a strawberry tart and a glass of water.
|
|
|
Post by Eulalie de Perigeux on Jul 1, 2011 18:28:30 GMT -5
"You do have a choice though," I said. "Love as thou wilt. It shouldn't be disregarded, even for family duties."
I had selected a small cake and handed my menu back to the server, then turned back to Renard, curious. "What sort of qualities are you looking for in your wife anyway, in order for the relationship to be tolerable?"
|
|
|
Post by Renard de Valliers on Jul 1, 2011 21:23:41 GMT -5
I chuckled softly and shook my head, "No..I made a vow to my father that I would find a wife and produce an heir. Promises are very serious to me. I will follow through with my words. Marriage is not always about love..."
I rubbed my chin thoughtfully as I considered her question, "Honestly....I don't know. Someone who wouldn't insult me or hurt me... Someone who I could be myself with. Someone who will accept me for who I am and appreciate me. What does one usually want in a wife...or a husband?"
|
|
|
Post by Eulalie de Perigeux on Jul 1, 2011 23:01:49 GMT -5
What he said was true, marriage was not always about love but in Terre d'Ange it was still a big part of it. You had to consent at least, with the knowledge that you would be able to come to care for them.
I addressed his question. "Pretty much the same thing you look for in a wife," I told him. "I'd hope the person I marry respects me and doesn't turn out to be a wife-beater."
|
|
|
Post by Renard de Valliers on Jul 2, 2011 1:02:11 GMT -5
I nodded, "I don't think anyone wants a partner whose going to beat them."
I looked up as our dessert came to our table. I picked up a fork and began cutting into my tart. I looked up at her, "Do you think you will get married some day? I think you would make anyone a wonderful wife." I looked at her meaningfully before moving a piece of the tart to my mouth and chewing thoughtfully.
|
|
|
Post by Eulalie de Perigeux on Jul 2, 2011 2:16:29 GMT -5
I couldn't help it, I laughed when he said that I'd make a good wife. "At the moment, I'll say no. But that could change," I shrugged. "I never really cared for it. I don't think he'd find me very interesting or obedient. As you could probably gather." It wasn't that I was headstrong, I just didn't like doing what others told me to if I didn't like it. And no man really wants a woman who spends more time with her books than with him.
"It'd be different for you though," my voice became more serious as I ticked off his attributes. "Chivalrous, respectful, someone who makes a good friend. Your wife will be lucky to have you."
|
|
|
Post by Renard de Valliers on Jul 2, 2011 11:01:47 GMT -5
I laughed along with her when she mentioned that she was interested in being married. It seemed that she liked her independence just as much as I did.
I smiled lightly at her compliments, "You are too kind, Eulalie. I'm sure I have some bad qualities around here somewhere..." I looked around me in a teasing gesture. I chuckled lightly.
I lifted up my glass and gestured for her to do so as well, "Well, we will see if the other women of this city see those attributes as well. To new friendships and new experiences." I moved to clink my glass with hers.
|
|
|
Post by Eulalie de Perigeux on Jul 2, 2011 16:42:25 GMT -5
I smiled in return, raising my own glass. "To new friendships and experiences," and with a wry smile. "And the riots that begin them"
|
|
|
Post by Renard de Valliers on Jul 2, 2011 22:10:51 GMT -5
I laughed softly when she mentioned the riots and I nodded in understanding. I took another bite of my strawberry tart before turning back to her. "So, how long do you think your parents will allow you to avoid marriage? You have quite a few years ahead of you before anyone would dare call you a spinister." I let my eyebrows raise in order to give the impression that I mean the word spinister in a playful light sort of way.
|
|
|
Post by Eulalie de Perigeux on Jul 2, 2011 23:25:01 GMT -5
"I think I can get away with spinsterhood until my brother himself marries. I don't think they would mind so much, if it weren't for the fact that if I stayed home to look after them I'd be in the way of my brother and the family he will raise," I explained, wondering if his parents might want his sister married off for the same reason. "I suppose they were also a bit worried because they had no such problems with either of my sisters."
|
|
|
Post by Renard de Valliers on Jul 3, 2011 12:41:41 GMT -5
"Your sisters were eager to marry? That's interesting... Did they marry for love?" I asked curiously. Then I picked up the last bite of my strawberry tart and ate it slowly, enjoying the sweet taste.
|
|
|
Post by Eulalie de Perigeux on Jul 3, 2011 16:36:20 GMT -5
"I wouldn't say eager, but yes they both married for love," I nodded. "Yvette, my older sister has children now, her courtship was fairly typical and Cloelia married a dipolmat which surprised us all because she likes to argue so," I shrugged. "But I suppose opposites attract."
|
|
|
Post by Renard de Valliers on Jul 3, 2011 22:39:42 GMT -5
"That must be nice for you to know that your sisters are happy and in love...." I spoke the passing comment as a after thought. I lifted up my drink and finished it. When the server came for payment, I signed my name and a statement that my factor would come to pay the full amount of the meal.
"This was a perfect evening, Eulalie. Thank you for coming along. Perhaps we can meet again when I come back from the war? Have you familiarized yourself with the best book stores and libraries?" I spoke to Eulalie, keeping my attention on her. I was comfortable to stay sitting until she was finished.
|
|
|
Post by Eulalie de Perigeux on Jul 4, 2011 1:04:13 GMT -5
I finished off my dessert and was about to call over the waiter to arrange payment when Renard quickly settled it. I gave him a look of mock indignation.
"Lunch was meant to be my treat. You did protect me at the riot after all. But yes, I'll definitely be pestering you for meeting after the war, we could explore the antique bookstore." Though Elua knew when that would be.
|
|
|
Post by Renard de Valliers on Jul 4, 2011 16:20:31 GMT -5
I widened my eyes in surprise, "Really? I thought the treat was the pleasure of your company?" I gave her a soft grin. I nodded, "The antique book store.... please tell me that it will be more exciting than it sounds." My brow lifted as I stood up and helped her from her chair to escort her out.
|
|
|
Post by Eulalie de Perigeux on Jul 4, 2011 16:27:58 GMT -5
I laid my arm atop his as we exited the restaurant. "Oh it'll be interesting. And if you find it's not I promise that we can go elsewhere afterwards, of your choosing."
We took the carriage back to the west borough where he escorted me to the door like the gentleman he was. Curtseying, I smiled at him. "Thank you a lovely outing. Next time, lunch is on me though."
|
|
|
Post by Renard de Valliers on Jul 4, 2011 21:21:49 GMT -5
"Very well, I look forward to our next meeting, good day, m'lady," I gave a bow and responded with a teasing look to my eyes. I gave her a light wave and then made my way back to my carriage and back to my place. The lunch had been a better idea than I expected. It seemed like Eulalie would be a very good friend. I was looking forward to seeing her months later, confident that we would have even more to talk about.
|
|